Cranberry River
Monongahela NF · Richwood · Remote Appalachian
E West Virginia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Brook.
Stream gauge: 03186500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Cranberry is running at 77 cfs — prime summer levels for this Appalachian gem. Peak Sulphur season continues with evening hatches firing consistently in the 58-68°F water. Target the wilderness pools from 6-8pm when dorothea emergers trigger selective rising. Dry-dropper rigs with CDC Emerger #16 trailing a Pale Evening Dun work through transition zones. Light rain mid-week should refresh without blowing out flows.
- Flow: 77 cfs — excellent summer levels for wade fishing the wilderness sections with perfect pocket water definition
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur emergence 6-8pm daily. CDC Emerger #16 and Pale Evening Dun producing on selective risers
- Water Temp: 58-68°F range ideal for sustained Sulphur activity. Cool enough for all-day trout comfort in deeper pools
- Best Window: Evening prime time 6-8pm for surface action. Early mornings productive for subsurface before day hikers arrive
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June
The Cranberry River in eastern West Virginia is a freestone river in the Monongahela National Forest, supporting wild brook trout and stocked browns and rainbows. The river is intimate — small enough to wade across, with classic Appalachian pocket water character. The Cranberry Wilderness section requires a hike-in to reach truly wild brook trout water; the lower river along Forest Road 76 offers more accessible mixed-species fishing. Hatches center on early-season caddis and stonefly activity, with terrestrial fishing through summer.
The Cranberry Wilderness — a federally protected 47,000-acre roadless area surrounding the upper river — holds one of the strongest native brook trout populations in the southern Appalachians.
January Outlook
January on the Cranberry River in the Monongahela National Forest is deep Appalachian winter. The wild brown and brook trout stream in WV's most remote wilderness is cold and quiet. One of the finest wild trout rivers in the mid-Atlantic region.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Cranberry River is a freestone stream in the Cranberry Wilderness and Monongahela National Forest. January fishing requires full winter preparation. Wild brown and brook trout year-round. Fish the deeper pools and runs for winter action.
Water Notes
Water 36–44°F. Deep Appalachian winter. Remote Monongahela National Forest. Cold and clear.
February Outlook
February on the Cranberry River. Cold Appalachian winter with potential for early Baetis on warm afternoons. The wilderness setting and wild trout make this a rewarding but demanding winter fishery.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
February can produce excellent fishing on the Cranberry when a warm front arrives. Fish the upper sections near the Cranberry Glades for the most consistent winter water. Wild brookies are present throughout the river.
Water Notes
Water 38–46°F. Late winter Appalachian conditions. Monongahela National Forest. Pre-runoff clarity.
March Outlook
March on the Cranberry River brings early spring. Quill Gordon and early Hendrickson hatches begin on warm afternoons. The wilderness setting is beautiful with the first hints of spring green.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon #14
- Hendrickson #12-14
- Baetis Nymph
- Hare's Ear
Tips
March is an excellent early-season month on the Cranberry. The Quill Gordon hatch is the first major dry fly event of the Appalachian year. Fish the classic pool-and-riffle structure in the upper wilderness sections.
Water Notes
Water 44–54°F. Pre-runoff conditions. First major hatches. Classic Appalachian spring beginning.
April Outlook
April on the Cranberry River is prime Appalachian spring. Hendrickson, March Brown, and early Caddis hatches overlap. Wild brown and brook trout are actively rising. The Cranberry Wilderness in early spring is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson #12-14
- March Brown #10-12
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is the Cranberry River's peak spring month. The classic Appalachian hatch progression produces outstanding dry fly fishing. The upper wilderness section requires a hike but rewards with solitude and wild fish. The lower sections along Route 39 provide easier access.
Water Notes
Water 50–62°F. Prime spring conditions. Multiple simultaneous hatches. Appalachian spring spectacular.
May Outlook
May on the Cranberry River is excellent with Sulphur, Caddis, and stonefly hatches. Wild brown and brook trout in their finest spring condition. The Monongahela National Forest wildflower display is extraordinary.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur #16
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stonefly Nymph
- PMD Dry
Tips
May on the Cranberry is outstanding — multiple hatches, wild trout in prime condition, and one of West Virginia's most beautiful river settings. Fish morning hatches for PMDs and evening for caddis.
Water Notes
Water 56–66°F. Excellent spring conditions. Monongahela National Forest in bloom. Wild trout prime season.
June Outlook
June on the Cranberry River. Summer hatches continue with Sulphur, Caddis, and terrestrials beginning. The wilderness setting is at its most lush. Excellent fishing morning and evening.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur #16
- Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
Tips
June is excellent on the Cranberry. Sulphur hatches continue and terrestrials become important. Fish the evening Sulphur hatches for the most consistent surface action. The wilderness sections are best early and late in the day.
Water Notes
Water 58–68°F. Summer beginning. Sulphur excellent in June. Wilderness setting at peak summer beauty.
July Outlook
July on the Cranberry River is summer in the Appalachians with terrestrials and evening caddis. The wilderness stream stays cooler than lower-elevation rivers. Morning and evening fishing is best.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- Evening Caddis
- Yellow Sally
Tips
July fishing on the Cranberry is best in the morning and evening. The wilderness elevation keeps the river cooler than the surrounding mountains suggest. Wild trout in the upper sections are less pressured and more cooperative.
Water Notes
Water 62–70°F. Summer. Elevated wilderness stream stays cooler. Fish morning and evening.
August Outlook
August on the Cranberry River. Summer terrestrials and evening caddis. Low flows in some years — the wilderness setting keeps conditions fishable. Wild brook trout in the upper headwaters.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Evening Caddis
- Ant
Tips
August on the Cranberry can be productive morning and evening. The upper wilderness sections have cooler temperatures from the elevation and forest canopy. Wild brook trout in the headwater tributaries are beautiful in late summer.
Water Notes
Water 64–72°F. Late summer. Possible low flows. Fish morning and evening. Headwater brook trout excellent.
September Outlook
September is the Cranberry River's finest month. Baetis and Caddis hatches return, temperatures fall, and wild brown and brook trout become increasingly active. The Monongahela National Forest begins turning.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
- Hopper
Tips
September on the Cranberry River is superb — returning hatches, actively feeding wild trout, and the beginning of one of the Appalachians' finest fall color displays. The wilderness sections are spectacular.
Water Notes
Water 54–62°F. Cooling temps. Excellent clarity. Appalachian fall color beginning in the Monongahela NF.
October Outlook
October on the Cranberry River is peak Appalachian fall. The Monongahela National Forest color is extraordinary. Baetis hatches excellent. Wild brown trout pre-spawn and aggressively feeding.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute
- Streamer
- Hare's Ear
- Egg Pattern
Tips
October on the Cranberry River in the Monongahela National Forest is one of the mid-Atlantic's finest fall fly fishing experiences. Peak color, excellent hatches, and wild trout in their best fall condition.
Water Notes
Water 46–54°F. Peak Appalachian fall color. Excellent conditions. Brown trout pre-spawn. Free-flowing clarity.
November Outlook
November on the Cranberry River is late fall. Post-spawn brown trout feeding. Midge and Baetis activity. The Monongahela National Forest is stark and beautiful in late fall.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- BWO Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November on the Cranberry is quiet and productive. The post-spawn wild trout are feeding actively. The wilderness setting in late fall is quiet and beautiful. One of the least pressured months on this excellent WV wild trout stream.
Water Notes
Water 40–50°F. Post-spawn. Late fall Appalachian conditions. Monongahela NF heading into winter.
December Outlook
December on the Cranberry River is winter in the Monongahela National Forest. Cold conditions but the wild trout are present year-round. Midge fishing in the deeper pools.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
- Hare's Ear
Tips
December fishing on the Cranberry requires preparation for mountain winter conditions. The river is free-flowing and clear year-round. The wild trout are there. Route 39 through the National Forest is maintained.
Water Notes
Water 36–44°F. Appalachian winter. Monongahela National Forest. Route 39 maintained. Cold and clear.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quill Gordon Epeorus pleuralis |
Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr | #12–14 |
|
| Hendrickson / March Brown Ephemerella subvaria / Maccaffertium vicarium |
May | Apr, May | #10–14 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Richwood, WV is the primary base. Forest Road 76 provides wade access along the lower river. Cranberry Wilderness requires hike-in. West Virginia fishing license + trout stamp required.
Regulations & License
Fishing in West Virginia requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
West Virginia fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Cranberry River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Cranberry River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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